This report on higher education in 15 Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states provides state and regional data in a policy context. The document is structured around a set of indicators that provide trend or relative state data for: population projections; adult educational attainment level; expected number of high school graduates; participation rates and college enrollment data; relative degree production rates; tuition, fee, and student financial aid data; per student expenditures; sources of institutional revenue; higher education share of state general funds; faculty salaries; research competitiveness; minority student participation rates; and current and projected employment by occupation and industry. Data are summarized both for the region and the 15 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Also included are several policy insight reports on: (1) college student migration, (2) quality assurance in distance education, (3) 1996 legislative actions, (4) higher education and the job market, and (5) access. In addition to data included in the regional and state indicator section, there are 28 comprehensive data tables. Appended are the Carnegie classifications and a Web site address where a list of public and private institutions by state and sector may be obtained. (Contains approximately 50 references.) (CH)